Sky Sports: Arsenal plot move to sign the "next Mbappe", he's a lot like Alexander Isak

Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka have all spent time on the sidelines in 2025, subsequently having an impact on the Gunners’ Premier League title chances.

The side currently sits second but are a staggering 15 points behind runaway leaders Liverpool with just 10 games remaining - making their chances of ending their two-decade drought extremely slim.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrates after the match 

After such a drought, it’s no surprise that the fanbase are craving success, especially when the side have finished runners-up in the two previous campaigns - looking likely to do so once again this year.

If they are to take that next step, the hierarchy and incoming sporting director, Andrea Berta, need to back the manager in the summer, potentially targeting one player with the added investment that could fall Arteta’s way.

Arsenal scouting talent ahead of the summer transfer window

According to Sky Germany, Arsenal are one of multiple English sides who have been scouting Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitiké ahead of the summer transfer window.

Newcastle United and Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in landing the Frenchman, who has caught the eye in the Bundesliga throughout the campaign.

hugo-ekitike-frankfurt

The 22-year-old has scored 18 times and registered six assists in his 36 appearances to date, sitting as the seventh top scorer in the division at present.

It’s unclear how much a deal for Ekitike would set the Gunners back, but the report does state that he wants a move to England, with the importance of the side being in the Champions League - potentially handing them a huge chance of landing the star.

Any move for the former PSG star could end their pursuit of another talent who’s been constantly linked with a move to the Emirates over the last couple of months.

How Ekitike compares to Isak in 2024/25

Alexander Isak is a player who’s been firmly on the Gunners’ radar in recent times, but as yet, they haven’t been able to strike a deal for Newcastle United’s star man.

Alexander Isak in action for Newcastle

Arteta’s side were previously quoted a fee in the region of £150m for the Swedish international, potentially pricing them out of any potential move for his services this summer.

However, his goalscoring exploits are there for all to see, registering 57 goals in his 99 appearances for the Magpies - including 22 in all competitions this campaign.

His goals have had a huge impact on the Gunners’ potential success, with his goal in the Carabao Cup semi-final helping dump Arteta’s side out of the competition.

There’s no denying that his quality in the final third would bolster the current first-team side, but Ekitike could provide a cheaper alternative to the 25-year-old - potentially offering just as much of an impact should he move.

The Frenchman has been ranked as a similar player to Isak by FBref, an understandable comparison when delving into their respective stats from the ongoing season.

FBref similar players Ekitike

Ekitike, who’s previously been described as the "next Mbappe" by journalist Graeme Bailey, may have registered slightly fewer combined goals and assists but has notched more shots on target per 90, showcasing the danger he possesses in the final third.

How Ekitike compares to Isak in 2024/25 so far

Statistics (per 90)

Ekitike

Isak

Games played

24

25

Goals & assists

16

24

Progressive carries

3.1

2.8

Shots on target

1.6

1.3

Pass accuracy

78%

74%

Take-ons completed

1.9

1.5

Aerials won

41%

33%

Stats via FBref

He’s also completed more take-ons per 90, whilst also coming out on top in more aerial battles, potentially being a more all-round number nine - something which the Gunners have craved in recent years.

Whilst Isak will remain the number one option for the majority of supporters, Ekitike has demonstrated he holds serious quality and could be another superb option for the club in attacking areas.

Given his goalscoring record in 2024/25, there’s no doubt he will cost a pretty penny in the summer, but given his desire to move to England, it could be a chance worth taking in their quest for Premier League glory